BREEDING BETTER HERDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 June 1926, Page 7

BREEDING BETTER HERDS.

HIGH GRADE UTILITY CATTLE. THE TARANAKI ASSOCIATION. With the object of attaining a better type of dairy cow in everyday herds, so that the general standard of production may steadily increase, a number of Ngaere farmers got together four years ago and decided to form the Taranaki Utility High Grade Cattle Association, of which Mr. Joseph Thomas was elected president. Imbued by the zeal of the president and the sincerity of the council, the association moved steadily along, and a large number of approved cows were admitted to the herd book of the association.

Before a cow could be admitted it liad to pass a searching examination at the hands of the association’s judge, formerly the late Mr. F. Ranford, and latterly Mr. R. J. Einn, who decided whether the animal, which had to be backed by a certificate of record approved by- the council, was of such a type and of such a constitution that it would be likely to breed similar high-class stock. Through this strict inspection it was believed the standard of dairy herds in the province would gradually be raised to a highly productive level, with a consequent financial benefit to the farmer, as' well as an increase in the Dominion’s exportable produce.

The aims of the association were worthy of the men who conceived the movement and received whole-hearted support from Dr. Reakes (Director of the Live Stock Division of the Agricultural Department), Mr. J. W. Deem (instructor of agriculture), and various members of Parliament and other prominent men associated with the industry in Taranaki. The association grew till it numbered as many as 75 financial members, and periodic 'demonstrations and field days were features of its activities. Unfortunately interest has waned during the past year, and the fine ideals of the promoters are in danger of passing into the realms of -things forgotten. At the annual meeting, called earlier this week, there were not sufficient present to form a quorum. It was reported that the roll of financial members had fallen to only 22, of whom nine attended the meeting. The position, as reviewed, was discouraging, and, though it seemed a pity to allow the work of four years to become lost, it was felt the association could not remain- stagnant, and if progress was not to be made, steps should be taken to wind up the association. The meeting finally agreed to defer action for six months, during which time every effort will be made to infuse the original interest into owners of grade herds in the Ngaere district and further afield. If at the end of the six months the position is still unsatisfactory, the process of whirling I, P ’ !C com " menced. There is a wonderful goal ahead of such an association, and the attainment of the ideals that justified its promotion would be of inestimable value to the province in particular and New Zealand in general. It is to be hoped that all broad-minded dairy farmers desirous of improving their own position and that of the industry will become sufficiently interested in the association at least to inquire further as to its aims. Success has crowned the efforts of Denmark, -but even greater success should attend the adoption of a vigorous policy of breeding and calling to the end of building up greater producing herds in the future in a land so well endowed by nature for the business of dairy farming as New Zealand.